Turkey in turmoil: Imamoglu arrest sparks political unrest
The Turkish police have detained Ekrem Imamoglu, the opposition mayor of Istanbul, who is considered a candidate in the upcoming presidential elections. A day earlier, a university revoked the diploma of a key rival to Erdogan. The Turkish authorities have implemented controversial bans.
What you need to know
- Arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu: Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has been arrested by Turkish police as part of an investigation into alleged corruption and ties to terrorism.
- Bans and restrictions: The authorities have implemented a ban on organizing demonstrations for four days and have restricted access to social media to manage the situation and prevent the escalation of social tensions following the arrests.
- Diploma issues: Istanbul University canceled Imamoglu's diploma, barring him from running in the presidential elections.
According to the Anadolu news agency, Turkish prosecutors have issued arrest warrants for a total of about 100 people, indicating a widespread operation. Among those detained on Wednesday is Recep Tayyip Erdogan's political rival - Ekrem Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul and a potential candidate for the presidency of Turkey.
The investigation concerns alleged corruption and ties to terrorism.
Key rival to Erdogan arrested
The Turkish authorities, to prevent potential protests following the arrests, closed several roads around Istanbul and implemented a four-day ban on organizing demonstrations. Additionally, according to Reuters, access to social media platforms such as X, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok has been restricted.
A day before the arrest, Istanbul University canceled the diploma of Imamoglu, who represents the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP). According to the authorities, there were "irregularities" during his transfer from one university to another several decades ago.
This action prevents Imamoglu from running in the presidential elections, which are planned for 2028. According to Turkish law, having a university diploma is necessary to run for president. Importantly, it is not ruled out that early elections may be called in the country.
